Exclusive: Surveillance video shows Smith County inmate's jail escape

SMITH COUNTY, TX (KLTV) -
Monday morning, the Smith County inmate who escaped from jail earlier this year pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 50 years in prison.

Bowers' sentence was a part of a plea agreement offered by The State. In court, Adam Bowers, 34, waived his right to indictment by a grand jury on the charges related to his escape.

In May, the Smith County Sheriff's Office said Bowers escaped from the Central Jail rooftop. Sheriff Larry Smith said other inmates in the recreation yard intentionally blocked the view of the yard detention officer. Smith said Bowers unraveled the wire on the recreation yard fence and slipped through a hole. Bowers then stripped off his jail uniform and ran across the roof. He then climbed down scaffolding that is in place as part of the jail construction project.

The recreation yard officer observed Bowers run across the roof and immediately announced the escape on the jail radio system, which Smith said was acquired primarily for such incidents.

Smith said the jail staff pursued the inmate after a foot chase lasting about 20 minutes. Bowers was captured four blocks north of the jail. During the foot pursuit, Bowers was armed with a hammer he acquired from the construction site near the jail. Smith said the inmate attempted to car jack at least three citizens, but was unsuccessful.

Bowers was originally in custody for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and two charges of aggravated robbery from a string of incidents at the Lindale Walmart and a Tyler Family Dollar store. Bowers was sentenced to two 50 year sentences for those robberies last month. Bowers will be able to serve all three 50 year prison sentences as the same time, with some credit for time served.

The Tyler ISD board has approved the renderings of renovation plans for John Tyler and Robert E. Lee high schools. In May, a $198 million-dollar proposal was passed with 83% of Tyler residents in favor. According to Tim Loper, Tyler ISD’s Director of Facility Services, the plans are designed to give both campuses a new face, have a 21st century design, enhance current programs, and ease traffic flow in the surrounding areas. Cameras are currently used in the high schools, but...More >>

The Tyler ISD board has approved the renderings of renovation plans for John Tyler and Robert E. Lee high schools. In May, a $198 million-dollar proposal was passed with 83% of Tyler residents in favor. According to Tim Loper, Tyler ISD’s Director of Facility Services, the plans are designed to give both campuses a new face, have a 21st century design, enhance current programs, and ease traffic flow in the surrounding areas. Cameras are currently used in the high schools, but...More >>